Fans supporting him when he won the Intercontinental Title on RAW:
“It’s something I hoped was there, but was so rewarding when I got [that fan reaction], it was one of those things where I wasn’t sure [it would happen]. After being a bodyguard, there was about a month-and-a-half period where I wasn’t doing a whole lot, and I don’t think I was on Raw very much. So I was a little worried I would lose momentum, but it was really cool. Even before that, getting 75 percent of the fan vote against Miz and Dolph [Ziggler] to get the match with Randy Orton, I’ve been so thankful for their support.”

Carrying the IC Title:
“The Intercontinental title has such a great history of champions before me like Pat Patterson and The Rock. For me, I feel as if I have this sense of responsibility with upholding that prestige and honor. I want the title to be seen as an important title. That is something that is on me with the way I carry myself, the way I perform and every night I make sure people remember it as an important title. I look to be world champion, and it’s a goal that is very important to me, but upholding the prestige of the Intercontinental championship is important to me as well.”

Being with AJ Lee and Dolph Ziggler:
“Being with AJ and traveling with her and Dolph was really cool. One of the things I admired about her is how driven she is. She is focused and aware of her brand and the message she wants to get across to fans as well. So I’ve always respected that about her. She is very cognitive about what she does inside the ring and outside of it. I’ve also been able to learn from Dolph as well when we were together. Even now, he has been helpful. That first six to seven-month period of being a bodyguard was great because it allowed me the opportunity to ease into my time in WWE and to learn. It was a great start.”

Learning from John Cena:
“John’s been great. I’ve been able to work out of his gym the last few years now and kind of pick his brain at times as well. He has given me advice and little things to make me better throughout the years. One of the things he told me ‘owning the moment.’ When you’re out there, you really do have an opportunity to make a memorable moment. That’s kind of one of the things I learned from him.”